Trends of Visegrad Foreign Policy

The objective of the “Trends of Visegrad Foreign Policy” project was to identify the views held on foreign policy by those that make, influence and implement this policy. It also sought to compare the views entertained by foreign-policy communities in Visegrad countries. Our respondents (civil servants, researchers/experts, journalists, business representatives and politicians) answered 24 questions related to transatlantic relations, development of the EU, bilateral partnerships, multilateral relations, development of the international environment and current issues.

Main Findings

In all, we approached 1,711 civil servants, researchers/experts, journalists, business representatives and politicians from Visegrad Group countries, receiving a response from 429 people (a response rate of 25.1%).

In the coming years, Visegrad foreign policy makers will be training the spotlight on energy security, instability in the EU neighborhood and illegal immigration.

Germany is judged to be the most important and best partner in Central Europe.

All four countries feel their Visegrad Group membership is important and that it acts as a conduit for the promotion of their national interests. Foreign policy elites are also convinced that the V4 plays a constructive role in the EU.

According to respondents, the Visegrad Group should primarily focus on energy, Eastern policy, migration, energy security, and security in general. Respondents are also of the opinion that the V4 should collaborate more frequently and extend its reach into other areas.

European Union membership is rated as categorically beneficial, and the importance of the EU will be augmented in the coming years. Respondents identified energy, immigration and the single market as the most important European policies in the next five years.

The United States is pinpointed as the V4’s second most important partner. Respondents have no doubt that transatlantic relations will continue to strengthen in the security and economic arenas. They are also confident that the North Atlantic Alliance will grow in stature.